Status conditions (Japanese: 状態異常abnormal condition), also referred to as status problems or status ailments, affect a Pokémon's ability to battle. There are three kinds of status. The first are non-volatile, the second are volatile, and the third lasts while a Pokémon is in battle. The Pokérus is a similar but unrelated concept.

Non-volatile status

A non-volatile status condition is a status condition that remains outside of battle and after being switched out. A Pokémon can only be afflicted by one non-volatile status condition at a time. They can be cured by healing at a Pokémon Center, specific curative items, and other ways. If a Pokémon is affected by a non-volatile status condition, an icon will display the type of status condition (replacing the Pokémon's level in GenerationsI and II).

Any Pokémon with Comatose cannot be affected by non-volatile status conditions nor can any Pokémon with Leaf Guard in harsh sunlight. Additionally, any Pokémon with Hydration will be automatically cured of any non-volatile status condition at the end of the turn (during rain) and any Pokémon with Shed Skin has a 33% chance to heal any of these status conditions.

Burn

The burn condition (BRN) inflicts damage every turn and halves damage dealt by a Pokémon's physical moves (except Pokémon with the Guts Ability). In Generation I and Generation VII, burn inflicts damage equal to 1/16 of its maximum HP every turn; from Generation II to VI, burn inflicts damage equal to 1/8 of its maximum HP every turn. Burn damage is halved if the Pokémon has the Ability Heatproof. In Generation V, Pokémon glow red while afflicted with burn.

Most moves which cause burn are Fire-type. In Generations I and II, Fire-type Pokémon cannot be burned by Fire-type moves (but they can be burned by Tri Attack in Generation II). From Generation III onward, Fire-type Pokémon and Pokémon with the Water Veil or Water Bubble Ability cannot normally be burned.

Freeze

The freeze condition (FRZ) causes a Pokémon to be unable to use moves. A frozen Pokémon can still use the moves Fusion Flare, Flame Wheel, Sacred Fire, Flare Blitz, Scald, and Steam Eruption while frozen; these moves will thaw the user and be executed normally. In Generation V, Pokémon glow blue and stop moving while afflicted with freeze.

If a frozen Pokémon is hit by a damaging Fire-type move, Scald (Generation VI onward) or Steam Eruption, it will be thawed. From Generation II onward, the frozen Pokémon has a 20% chance to be thawed each turn, possibly even thawing right after being frozen; however, in Generation I, a frozen Pokémon never thaws without external aid. Pokémon cannot be frozen in harsh sunlight.

All moves which cause freezing are Ice-type, except Tri Attack (Generation II onward) and Secret Power (when used in snow or ice; Generation IV onward). In Generations I and II, Ice-type Pokémon cannot be frozen by Ice-type moves (but they can be frozen by Tri Attack in Generation II). From Generation III onward, Ice-type Pokémon and Pokémon with the Magma Armor Ability cannot normally be frozen.

Paralysis

The paralysis condition (PAR) reduces the Pokémon's Speed stat and causes it to have a 25% chance of being unable to use a move ("fully paralyzed") when trying to use one. From Generation I to VI, its Speed is reduced to 25% of its normal value; in Generation VII, its Speed is reduced to 50% of its normal value. Pokémon with the Quick Feet Ability instead have their Speed increased by 50% while paralyzed. In Generation V, Pokémon glow yellow while afflicted with paralysis and their animation will be slowed significantly.

Many moves that cause paralysis are Electric-type moves. In Generation I, Pokémon cannot be paralyzed by damaging moves of the same type as themselves. From Generation VI onward, Electric-type Pokémon cannot be paralyzed. Pokémon with the Limber Ability cannot normally be paralyzed.

Poison

The poison condition (PSN) inflicts damage every turn. In Generation I, poison inflicts damage equal to 1/16 of its maximum HP every turn; from Generation II onward, it inflicts damage equal to 1/8 of its maximum HP. A Pokémon with the Poison Heal Ability will restore an equivalent amount of HP instead of taking damage. In Generation V, Pokémon glow purple while afflicted with poison.

From Generation I to IV, a poisoned Pokémon loses 1 HP for every four steps taken outside of battle. In Generation IV, a Pokémon whose HP is reduced to 1 via poison outside of battle will have the poison status removed; in Generations I to III, its HP will be reduced to 0 (causing it to faint).

Badly poisoned

The bad poison condition inflicts damage every turn, with the amount of damage increasing each turn. It initially inflicts damage equal to 1/16 of the Pokémon's maximum HP, with the damage inflicted increasing by 1/16 each turn (2/16 on the second turn, 3/16 on the third turn, etc.). In Generation V, Pokémon glow purple while afflicted with bad poison.

In Generations I and II, if a badly poisoned Pokémon is switched out, the condition reverts to regular poison. From Generation III onward, the poison remains bad poison while switched out, but the damage counter will be reset when switched back in (i.e. it always will take 1/16 of its maximum HP as damage after switching in). After a battle is over, the badly poisoned status will become a regular poison.

Sleep

The sleep condition (SLP) causes a Pokémon to be unable to use moves, except Snore and Sleep Talk. From Generation V onward, Pokémon close their eyes while sleeping and move more slowly.

Sleep lasts for a randomly chosen duration of 1 to 7 turns in the handheld Generation I games, 1 to 3 turns in Pokémon Stadium and Generation V onwards,[1] and 1 to 5 turns in Generations II to IV (except the Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl). In the Japanese versions of Diamond and Pearl, the minimum and maximum sleep count is 1 turn higher, lasting 2 to 6 turns.[2] If a Pokémon puts itself to sleep using Rest, it will sleep for exactly 2 turns.

In addition to moves that cause sleep, a disobedient Pokémon may also nap during battle. Pokémon with the Vital Spirit or Insomnia Ability cannot normally be put to sleep.

In Generation I, a Pokémon that wakes up is not able to attack during that same turn; from Generation II onward, a Pokémon can wake up and use a move during the same turn. In Generation V only, a Pokémon's sleep counter is reset to its original amount when switched out; this also applies for self-induced sleep.

Volatile status

A volatile status is a status condition that is inflicted by a move or Ability from another Pokémon and will wear off when a Pokémon is switched out of battle or when a battle is over. Many volatile status conditions will also wear off after a number of turns have passed. A Pokémon can be affected by multiple volatile status conditions at a time. A volatile status condition is not indicated by an icon.

Bound

When a Pokémon is hit by a binding move (Magma Storm, Sand Tomb, Whirlpool, Wrap, Bind, Clamp, Infestation, or Fire Spin), it becomes bound. Prior to Generation V, this lasts 2-5 turns (5 turns if the user of the binding move held a Grip Claw); from Generation V onward, the bound status lasts 4-5 turns (7 turns if the user of the binding move held a Grip Claw). A Pokémon can only be bound by one binding move at a time.

From Generation II to V, the bound status deals damage equal to 1/16 of the afflicted Pokémon's maximum HP at the end of each turn. If the Pokémon that used the binding move held a Binding Band, the damage is instead equal to 1/8 of the afflicted Pokémon's maximum HP.

From Generation VI onward, the bound status deals damage equal to 1/8 of the afflicted Pokémon's maximum HP at the end of each turn. If the Pokémon that used the binding move held a Binding Band, the damage is instead equal to 1/6 of the afflicted Pokémon's maximum HP. Furthermore, Ghost-type Pokémon can now switch out or flee even if they are trapped by a binding move.

Generation I

In Generation I, binding moves inflict damage for 2-5 turns. There is a 37.5% chance that the move will last 2 turns, a 37.5% chance that it will last 3 turns, a 12.5% chance that it will last 4 turns, and a 12.5% chance that it will last 5 turns. Although only the first attack can be a critical hit, every attack during the duration will do the same amount of damage. While a Pokémon is bound, it cannot use moves, including on the turn it is hit if it would move second.

Damage done by a binding move's continuing duration is done after recurrent damage. If the user of the binding move switches out before the target is released, the target will be unable to attack during that turn. If the target switches out before the turn duration ends, the binding move will automatically be used against the incoming Pokémon, deducting an additional PP from the move. If at such a time the binding move has 0 PP, it will still be used against the incoming Pokémon; in this case, due to a glitch, the move's PP will roll over to 63 and full PP Ups will be applied to it.

Even if the binding move misses, the target will not need to recharge for Hyper Beam. Additionally, if the user of the binding move attacks before the user of Hyper Beam during a recharge turn and the use of the binding move misses, the user of Hyper Beam will automatically use Hyper Beam during that turn. If at such a time Hyper Beam has 0 PP, it will still be used; in this case, due to the same glitch, the move's PP will roll over to 63 and full PP Ups will be applied to it.

In-game, the target will get to select a move during each turn of the binding move's duration, and will attack the incoming Pokémon with the selected move if the player switches before the duration is over.

In Pokémon Stadium, it is possible to select a move during each turn of the binding move's duration. If the target switches out before the duration ends, the incoming Pokémon will not automatically be attacked. A binding move will negate the recharge turn of Hyper Beam only if successful.

Generation II-IV

The target is now able to attack during a binding move's duration, and can act normally. Instead, the afflicted Pokémon takes damage equal to 1/16 of its maximum HP for 2-5 turns, in addition to the damage dealt when it is used. A bound Pokémon is also trapped, preventing it from switching and escape. A bound Pokémon can still flee (but not switch out) if it has the Ability Run Away or is holding a Smoke Ball. A bound Pokémon can still switch out (but not flee) if it is holding a Shed Shell.

If the user of the binding move is holding a Grip Claw, the duration will always be 5 turns.

If the user of the binding move switches out, all targets bound by that Pokémon's moves will be freed. If a bound Pokémon uses Rapid Spin, it will be freed.

Generation V

All binding moves now last 4-5 turns unless a Grip Claw is held, which causes the moves to last 7 turns.

If the user of the binding move held a Binding Band, the bound Pokémon takes 1/8 of its maximum HP as damage each turn (instead of 1/16).

Generation VI

A bound Pokémon now takes damage equal to 1/8 of its maximum HP each turn, instead of 1/16; if the user of the binding move held a Binding Band, the bound Pokémon takes damage equal to 1/6 of its maximum HP instead.

Ghost-type Pokémon can no longer be trapped, meaning that they can switch out and flee regardless of being bound. They are still afflicted by all other effects of being bound as normal, however.

Can't escape

Ash's Oshawott failing to return to its Poké Ball after being hit by Mean Look

Confusion

The confused condition causes a Pokémon to sometimes hurt itself in its confusion instead of executing a selected move. From Generation I to VI, the chance to hurt itself is 50%; in Generation VII, it is 33%. The damage is done as if the Pokémon attacked itself with a 40-power typeless physical attack (without the possibility of a critical hit).

Confusion wears off after 1-4 attacking turns. This means that turns recharging, such as after using Hyper Beam, and turns unable to attack, such as from paralysis, will not lower the remaining number of turns of confusion. However, a sleeping Pokémon may hurt itself in confusion if using a move such as Snore or Sleep Talk. Multi-turn attacks such as Fly and Dive require confusion to be checked both turns, further reducing the chance of a successful attack.

A Ninja Boy on Route 211 erroneously states that confusion only wears off if the Pokémon is switched out.

In Pokémon Conquest, confusion is instead a non-volatile status. A confused Pokémon may randomly move and attack other Pokémon including allies. If a Pokémon moves in its confusion, the Warrior is prevented from using an item or activating a Warrior Skill that turn. Confusion may wear off in the first turn.

In the anime, the depiction and symptoms of confusion has varied over the course of the show's long run:

In the original series of the anime, Pokémon showed no physical difference when confused. They would often get dizzy and miss their attacks as opposed to attacking themselves.

Curse

If a Ghost-type Pokémon uses Curse, its target will be afflicted by the cursed condition. A cursed Pokémon takes damage equal to ¼ of its maximum HP every turn. The cursed condition remains as long as the afflicted Pokémon is on the field. If a cursed Pokémon uses Baton Pass, the cursed condition is passed to its replacement.

In Generation II, if a cursed Pokémon knocks out its opponent, it will not take damage from curse that turn.

Embargo

A Pokémon under the effect of Embargo is unable to use its held item and its Trainer cannot use items on it (including Wonder Launcher items) for five turns. A Pokémon under the effect of Embargo cannot use Fling.

Encore

Encore forces the Pokémon to repeat its last attack for 2-5 turns in Generation II, 4-8 turns in Generations III and IV, and 3 turns in Generation V and VI. In Generation V, if the Pokémon has Magic Coat active, the move will fail.

Flinch

The flinch status is a one-turn status that prevents a Pokémon from attacking. A Pokémon can only flinch if it is hit by another Pokémon's move before using its move. A Pokémon who is holding a King's Rock or Razor Fang has a 10% (~12% in Generation II) chance of causing a target to flinch when using certain moves; in Generation II, III, and IV, any of several moves on a list exclusive to the items (the list differs between generations); from Generation V onward, any move that deals damage and does not already have a chance to flinch. Most moves that cause flinching are physical moves. In Generation II only, sleeping Pokémon cannot flinch when hit by moves that cause flinching (but can flinch via King's Rock), and are thus able to successfully execute Sleep Talk or Snore regardless.

Pokémon with the Inner Focus Ability are immune to flinching. Pokémon with Steadfast still flinch, but gain Speed each time they do so.

In Pokémon Conquest, a Pokémon that has flinched is unable to perform any actions (i.e. move around, use moves), along with its partner Warrior (i.e. use Warrior Skills, use items, link). Since battles in this game are turn-based, flinching does not require a first strike via an advantage in Speed or priority, unlike in the main series. The turn-based gameplay and the duration of flinching also makes consecutive flinching impairment impossible, unlike in the main series.

In Generation IV and V, a Pokémon affected by Heal Block can use HP-draining moves and still inflict damage, but will not restore HP. In Generation VI, a Pokémon affected by Heal Block cannot use HP-draining moves, except Leech Seed.

From Generation V onward, Leftovers and Shell Bell cannot heal Pokémon affected by Heal Block. In Generation VI, Black Sludge cannot heal Pokémon affected by Heal Block. Items such as Potions can still be used to heal the Pokémon.

Infatuation

A Pokémon that is infatuated cannot attack 50% of the time, even against Pokémon other than the one it is infatuated with. It is caused when Attract is used on an opponent of the opposite gender, may be caused when a Pokémon makes contact with a Pokémon of the opposite gender that has Cute Charm as its Ability, and is caused to the target of the infatuation when a Pokémon holding a Destiny Knot is infatuated.

Pokémon with the Oblivious Ability are immune to infatuation. Infatuation cannot be passed with Baton Pass. Infatuation will end as soon as either the affected Pokémon or the Pokémon it is attracted to is removed from the battle. It can also be removed by consuming a Mental Herb or an Eggant Berry, or by playing a Red Flute.

Leech Seed

The Leech Seed status can be caused by Leech Seed or Sappy Seed. Each turn, a Pokémon afflicted with Leech Seed loses 1/8 (1/16 in Generation I) of its maximum hit points. The opponent is healed by the same amount. Grass-type Pokémon cannot be afflicted with Leech Seed.

If a Pokémon afflicted with Leech Seed uses Baton Pass, Leech Seed is transferred to its replacement, even if it is Grass-type. If the Pokémon that used Leech Seed switches out or faints, any Pokémon in the same position as the original user gains the drained HP instead.

Unlike in the games, Leech Seed does not appear to restore the health of the Pokémon that used the attack in the anime.

Nightmare

Nightmare only affects a sleeping Pokémon. The sleeping Pokémon loses ¼ of its maximum hit points every turn. If the sleeping Pokémon awakens, then the nightmare will no longer be in effect. If Baton Pass switches in a Pokémon that is not asleep (via Sleep Talk), then the nightmare will no longer be in effect.

Perish Song

After three turns, all Pokémon who heard the Perish Song will faint, excluding Pokémon with the Soundproof Ability. Any Pokémon who heard it can avoid the effect of fainting if it is switched out before the three-turn count finishes. Baton Pass transfers the Perish Song countdown.

Taunt

A taunted Pokémon cannot use any status moves for 3 turns (2-4 turns prior to Generation V), including status moves that will always turn into damaging moves like Nature Power. The Taunt status can only be inflicted by the move Taunt.

From Generation V onward, the Mental Herb cures the Pokémon of Taunt. From Generation VI onward, Pokémon with Oblivious are immune to the Taunt condition; if a Pokémon with Oblivious is afflicted by Taunt (such as if it is taunted by a Pokémon with an Ability like Mold Breaker), it will be cured immediately. Pokémon with Aroma Veil and their allies are immune to Taunt.

The effect of Telekinesis is canceled when Gravity is used, the levitated Pokémon uses Ingrain, or the levitated Pokémon obtains an Iron Ball; Telekinesis cannot lift targets if Gravity is in effect, and will fail if used on a target that is rooted or holding an Iron Ball.

Torment

A tormented Pokémon cannot use the same move twice in a row. If the Pokémon is holding a choice item or only has one move remaining with PP, it is forced to use Struggle every second turn.

Volatile battle status

A volatile battle status is usually self-inflicted and will wear off when a Pokémon is taken out of battle or a battle is over. Many of these will also wear off after a number of turns pass. Since they aren't shown in battle as a status condition (having an icon) a Pokémon can be affected with multiple volatile battle statuses, volatile conditions and a non-volatile condition at the same time.

Bracing

When a Pokémon uses Endure, it braces itself so that whenever it takes damage that turn it will always survive with at least 1HP. The Focus Sash, Focus Band, and Ability Sturdy all have similar effects.

Center of attention

If a Pokémon is the center of attention, its opponents are forced to target the center of attention rather than their intended target for the rest of the turn, if it is a valid target for those moves (even if the move originally targeted an ally, unless it is a move that cannot target an opponent such as Acupressure or Helping Hand). If a move cannot target the center of attention, it will be used on its intended target. Even if a Pokémon becomes the center of attention, its allies will not be forced to target it.

The center of attention draws Electric- and Water-type moves even if a Pokémon with Lightning Rod or Storm Drain is on the field. If another Pokémon on the same team is already the center of attention, the first user takes priority; if the first user is outside of range or stops being the center of attention, the attack will be drawn to the next center of attention.

Magic Coat

A Pokémon shrouded with Magic Coat will reflect most status moves used against it or its side of the field back at the user during the turn it used the move. The Ability Magic Bounce reflects the same moves.

Semi-invulnerable

Several two-turn moves have a turn where a Pokémon becomes semi-invulnerable, and most moves will miss regardless of accuracy, even moves that never miss. If a Pokémon has been taken aim at, the aimed Pokémon can still hit Pokémon during their semi-invulnerable turn. A Pokémon with No Guard can hit the Pokémon during their semi-invulnerable state, and a Pokémon with No Guard in the semi-invulnerable state can be hit by any Pokémon. In Generation I, semi-invulnerable Pokémon cannot avoid Swift, Transform, or Bide, but can avoid Bide in Pokémon Stadium. With the exception of Sky Drop, the semi-invulnerable turn can be skipped with a Power Herb.

Pokémon that have used Fly, Bounce, or Sky Drop (both the user and target) fly up high. Pokémon that have flown up high are vulnerable to Gust, Smack Down, Sky Uppercut, Thunder, Twister, and Hurricane. If the move Gravity is used, Fly, Bounce, and Sky Drop cannot be used, and any Pokémon in the air return to the ground with their move cancelled; due to a glitch in the Generation V games, if Gravity is used while Sky Drop is in effect, only the user will be returned to the ground—the target will be permanently stuck airborne.

Substitute

The Pokémon that uses Substitute uses up to ¼ of its total HP (rounded down) to make a substitute which will absorb hits until it "breaks" (damage the substitute has taken is equal to or greater than the HP used to make it).

Substitutes also prevent the opponent from lowering the user's stat stages. From Generation II onward, substitutes block the opponent from inflicting all status conditions. In Generation I, a substitute will only block certain status conditions under certain circumstances, and attacks like Thunder Wave and Spore will completely circumvent the substitute.

Taking aim

When a Pokémon uses Mind Reader or Lock-On to take aim at a target, the user's next damage-dealing move will hit that target without fail, even if the opponent uses a move that offers a turn of semi-invulnerability, such as Fly. This effect can be Baton Passed.

Withdrawing

A Pokémon readying Skull Bash withdraws it head for one turn, in which it cannot act. From Generation II onwards, this also boosts the Pokémon's Defense. This turn can be skipped with a Power Herb.

Trivia

If a Pokémon under a status condition (such as a poisoned Cascoon) evolves, the condition will be kept, even if the Pokémon gains a new type or Ability that would normally prevent it.